Singapore Travel Guide 2026: What to Eat, Where to Stay & What to Do at Changi Airport

Singapore 2026 – A Food Lover’s Paradise

Singapore is a city that punches well above its weight. Beyond the gleaming skyscrapers, lush parks, and efficient transport system lies one of the world’s great food cities — a place where Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western culinary traditions have melded into something wholly unique. This guide covers the standout dining experiences, best accommodation in Bugis, and unmissable things to do at Changi Airport — all personally tested and recommended.

Top Restaurants to Try in Singapore

Fatt Choy Eating House – Modern Singapore Comfort Food (Bugis / Haji Lane)

Located in the heart of the colourful Bugis-Haji Lane district — famous for its vibrant street art, independent fashion boutiques, and eclectic energy — Fatt Choy Eating House is the perfect spot for a relaxed, delicious lunch. The interior blends modern aesthetics with nods to traditional Singaporean design, creating a space that’s both comfortable and visually appealing.

The food here won’t win prizes for elaborate presentation, but the flavours are outstanding and deeply satisfying — honest, well-executed Singaporean comfort food at its best. Must-orders include Sichuan dumplings, satay, and the excellent lunch set.

• Address: 10 Haji Lane, Singapore 189203

Mama Diam Lou Shang – A Hidden Gem on Prinsep Street

One of Singapore’s most charming restaurant discoveries, Mama Diam Lou Shang is a hidden restaurant and cocktail bar decorated to resemble a vintage toy and provision shop — a nostalgic nod to Singapore’s past that instantly sparks conversation and childhood memories. The creative menu takes traditional Singaporean dishes and reinvents them with modern twists that genuinely surprise and delight.

Standouts include the salted egg chicken poppers and the cocktail menu, which pairs beautifully with the retro-chic setting.

• Address: 38 Prinsep St, #01-01, Singapore 188665

Bubble Tea in Singapore – San Chen

Singapore’s bubble tea scene is thriving, and San Chen stands out for quality. With multiple branches across Orchard Road, Bugis, and Chinatown, it’s easy to find. The signature Oolong Milk Tea with cream topping and pearl tapioca is the best-seller for good reason: the fragrant tea base, creamy froth, and perfectly chewy pearls create a drink that’s genuinely hard to put down.

Where to Stay in Singapore – Lyf Bugis Singapore

For a stylish, community-oriented stay in a prime location, Lyf Bugis Singapore is an outstanding choice. Located in the Bugis neighbourhood, guests are just minutes’ walk from Bugis Street, Haji Lane, Arab Street, and Bugis Junction — making it one of the most conveniently placed hotels in the city.

The design is young, vibrant, and thoughtfully crafted: open layouts, bold colours, and thoughtful touches that make the space feel inspiring rather than just functional. There’s a co-working space on site, making it ideal for digital nomads and remote workers, and the hotel offers genuine personalisation — including a pillow menu where you choose firmness to your preference, and even room fragrance options. A small hotel with big ideas.

• Address: 200 Middle Road, Singapore 188980

Changi Airport – What to Buy and Do at Jewel

Singapore’s Changi International Airport is not just a transit hub — it’s one of the world’s great attractions in its own right, and the Jewel Changi Airport complex takes this to another level entirely.

Labubu Merlion – The Ultimate Singapore Souvenir

If you’re searching for the perfect Singapore memento, the Labubu Merlion limited edition figure is it. A clever fusion of the globally popular Labubu character with Singapore’s iconic Merlion symbol, this collectible is exclusively available in Singapore — meaning it’s impossible to find anywhere else in the world. Snap it up at Jewel before your departure.

Hedge Maze @ Jewel – Singapore’s Largest Indoor Maze

The Hedge Maze at Jewel Changi Airport is the largest indoor hedge maze in Singapore — a genuinely fun experience for travellers of all ages. Wind through leafy, shaded pathways, navigate to the central observation tower for aerial views of the complex, and enjoy the refreshing greenery in the heart of a world-class airport.

More at Jewel Changi Airport

Beyond the maze, Jewel offers:

• HSBC Rain Vortex – the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, a spectacular centrepiece
• Canopy Park – sky nets, hedge mazes, mirror mazes, and bouncing nets
• World-class shopping – global luxury brands alongside Singapore-exclusive boutiques
• Diverse dining – from hawker fare to international restaurants

Final Thoughts

Singapore is one of those rare destinations that manages to be utterly world-class while remaining genuinely accessible, safe, and easy to navigate — perfect for independent travellers. Whether you’re there for a weekend or a full week, the combination of exceptional food, smart accommodation options, and a world-beating airport experience makes every moment worthwhile. Have a wonderful trip!